product review liebherr lhm550 harbour crane liebherr ... · liebherr lhm550 harbour crane ... the...

Product Review Liebherr LHM550 Harbour Crane

16 PMMW Magazine - Autumn 2015 w w w. p l a n t m o d e l w o r l d . c o . u k

Left: The main crane operation is from the cabin perched high up to give an unobstructed view.

Below: The cabin integrated into the lower structureprovides a safe environment for positioning the crane.

he Liebherr maritimecranes division produces a comprehensive array of lifting equipment

for efficient material handlingincluding port equipment, offshore cranes, ship cranes and floating transfer solutions.The range of port equipment consists of mobile, rail-linked and permanently installed cranes and stackers providingtrouble-free handling of materialsat ports throughout the world.The mobile harbour cranes fromLiebherr have lifting capacitiesfrom 42 to 208 tonnes with amodel available for any loading or unloading operation, be it container handling, general cargo transfer or bulk operations.With the optimised undercarriagedesign and in-house designedcrane control system, the LHMcranes are amongst the mostpowerful and universal in theworld.

The LHM550 has a liftingcapacity of 144 ton at a radius of 54 metre and is truly versatilewhen it comes to efficient cargo handling up to post-panamax-sized vessels. Theundercarriage has the ability

to slew on the spot with eachaxle having independent steeringcontrol to allow the crane tomanoeuvre into tight spaces with four large outriggers providing an X-pattern supportwith lowering jacks and largeintegrated support mats and this is all fully operational on the1:87th scale model from NZG.

The various access stairwaysand steps are produced frommetal and finished in silver withphoto- etch materials used toform the safety cages on all thevertical ladders which certainlylook good considering thecrane’ s scale. The main bodyhouses the winch with a hole inthe side allowing the winding keyto raise the hook block. Surfacedetailing includes outlines for theservice doors with metal safetyrailings running around the entire

Liebherr LHM550Harbour Crane

Liebherr LHM550Mobile HarbourCrane in 1:87thscale from NZG.

T

NZG 1:87th Scale

edge of the housing. The rear has fixed ballast blocks withmetal support arms connectingwith the tower which has a platform half way up where the operators cabin has an unobstructed view of the work area. The main mast ishydraulically height controlledwith a pair of ropes loopingaround the pulleys and connecting to the hook blockalthough on the review sample,there is not enough rope installedon the drum to allow the hook to lower fully. Out of the box, the mast needs to be connectedand this is done using tiny nutsand bolts before the ropes areinstalled.

The LHM550 is an update tothe previously released LHM500and has the Pactronic hybridpower boost unit modelled, aclever device to store and releaseenergy to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

w w w. p l a n t m o d e l w o r l d . c o . u k PMMW Magazine - Autumn 2015 17

Below: Metal safety railings run around the upper edge of the body.

Above: The undercarriage has individually steering axles and extending outriggers with lowering pads.

Left: Fine detailing includes all theemergency ladders, complete withphoto-etch cages

Model Details

Manufacturer / Scale

NZG 1:87th

Price / AvAA ailability

£250

The Good

Good detailing for the scale, functional boom and hoist.

The Not so Good

Unable to fully lower hook.

VerdictV

Above: Operator access to thecrane is via the ladder

mounted to the chassis

Right: The hook block is

controlled from two ropes

Company Focus Genie


Genie Company Focus

The main lines within the Genieportfolio include scissor lifts, telescopic boom lifts, articulatedboom lifts (also referred to ascherry pickers), aerial work platforms, material lifts, verticalmast lifts, light towers and telescopic handlers.

NZG has been commissioned to produce a new range of high

quality 1:32nd scale die-cast replicas from the Genie productrange, starting with the GS-4069RT scissor lift which has been produced in both European andUS versions which is accompaniedby the flagship SX-180 telescopicboom lift with two versions of the compact GTH2506 telescopic handler due to be released shortly.

Above: Genie GS-4069RT Scissor Lift.

Above: Genie GTH2506 Telescopic Handler.

Above: Genie SX-180 Boom Lift.

Bud Bushnell formed the Genie Industries Company in 1966 when he bought the manufacturingrights for a compressed air operated material lift. The method of operation of the lift from a compressed air bottle resulted in the name Genie, as customers were impressed with the ‘Magic in the Bottle’. The company expanded operations over time as growing demand for aerial lifts and platforms resulted in the development of numerous products including man-lifts, articulatedbooms, stick booms and telescopic handlers. In 2002, partly due to an economic downturn, thecompany was sold to the Terex Corporation. The Genie name has acquired a good reputation in the marketplace over the years so the brand was retained within the Terex Aerial work Platformssegment, a testament to the quality products that the company offer.

Right: All the safety railings

are metal with a textured floor panel.


Left: The deck canbe extended for alarger working area.

Genie GS-4069RT Scissor LiftThe range of scissor lifts fromGenie are available as electric or diesel powered, offering highperformance and versatility, nomatter what the job at hand.Rough terrain lifts provide exceptional traction and are ideal

for outdoor jobs. The GS 4069RTself propelled scissor lift has a 14 metre working height with a363kg lifting capacity. The deck is1.6 metres wide and 2.79 metreslong with an additional 1.5 metreextension possible. Power isderived from a Kubota D-1105diesel or DF-972 Gas/LGP enginedelivering 24.5hp and 29hprespectively with all-wheel driveproviding a maximum travel speed of 5.6km/h.

The GS-4069RT scissor lift fromNZG is a nicely constructed replicawith a high metal content. It hasbeen produced in two slightly different versions, one for the USmarket and one for the Europeanmarket which has protective safety panels fitted to the chassisenclosing the scissor arms to prevent anything getting trappedas the platform is lowered. Thechassis has four height adjustablestabilisers which have circularpads and screw down to steadythe model. One axle has workingsteering and all four wheels haverough terrain treaded tyres. Theengine and control modules aresimplistically modelled on thesides with a small ladder on theend providing access to the platform. The scissor arms adjust

to a good height with one mainand one secondary hydraulic cylinder providing good resistanceto allow the platform to remain atthe chosen height. The platformitself is surrounded by metal safety railings and has a silver finished textured floor plate withthe ability to extend the work areaof the platform on one end whichis fully functional on the model.The finish is to the usual highstandards from NZG with crisplyapplied Genie markings. It is pre-sented in a printed cardboard boxwith inner polystyrene tray to keepthe model secure.

Model Details


NZG 1:32nd


£85

The Good

Sturdy construction, good functionality.

The Not so Good

Not 1:50th scale.

VerdictV

Above: The stabilisers can be lowered and the chassis has a steering axle.

Below: Both European and US versions of the model

have been produced.

Above: Access steps areintegrated intothe base and the Europeanversion has aprotective safety screen toprevent trappingin the scissorelements

Right: At full extension, the

model achieves animpressive height.

Company Focus Genie


Right:Even withoutextending the

boom, theheight is

impressive.

Below: The jib canachieve a multitude of

positions, fully capturingthe range of movement.

Genie SX-180 Boom LiftThey don’t get much bigger thanthe flagship Genie SX-180 telescopic boom lift, engineered to provide a greater horizontalreach than any other type of aerial platform with the ability tocustomise for the specific task inhand from a variety of options andadd-on packages. The unit has amaximum working height of 56.86metres with a max horizontalreach of 24.38 metres and a liftingcapacity of 340kg, tipping thescales at 25 ton. Two poweroptions are available, either aDeutz TD2.9 L4 or Perkins 854F-E34T Tier 4 final diesel enginegenerating 74hp.

The extending X-chassis pro-vides a stable base and this hasbeen modelled well on the 1:32ndscale replica from NZG, with allfour wheels individually steeringwith small hydraulic cylinders. The arms can be extended and are linked with a single hydrauliccontrolling each pair, allowing the model to be displayed readyfor transport or in the workingconfiguration. The main body issimplistic, just like the full sizedmachine with the Genie nameembossed on the side and rearpanels. The main telescopic boomis metal with the intermediary sections all made from plastic to

reduce the weight to ensure theboom remains raised without toppling with the plastic and metalcolours a very good match. The tip of the boom has a jib attached;allowing a number of positions to be simulated and the range ofmovement of the various elementsaccurately mimics that of the real machine. The cylinders arereasonably stiff so the boom holds position well. The platform isconstructed of metal with all-metalsafety railings and a photo-etchedmesh floor panel with the maincontrol housing produced fromplastic. As with the GS-4069RT,the paint finish is of a high standard with authentic printing of the Genie markings andmachine designation.

Above: The metal platform has a mesh flooring and replicated control panel.

Above: The chassis has pivotingarms with individual steering ofeach wheel.

Right: 1:32nd scale Genie

SX-180 boom liftfrom NZG is an

impressive replica.

Left: The telescopic boomextends smoothly and locks at full extension.

Model Details


NZG 1:32nd


£110

The Good

Authentic movements of the boom.

The Not so Good

Not 1:50th scale.

VerdictV

Above: The chassis can be reducedin width for transport and this is fully functional on the model.

Product Reviews Mercedes Benz Unimogs


Left: Unimog and Mulag MKM700 in perfect harmony.

Left: Attention to detail, the rear counterweight has been installed.

Below: An impressive model, the 1:50th scale U430 Unimog with Mulag MKM700 combination mower.

Above: NZG has authentically captured the range of movement of both the boom and verge cutter.

Right:During transport, theboom can be rotatedabove the cabin, just

like the full sized unit.

Right:The main cutter

head is nicely detailed.

Model Details


NZG 1:50th


£95

The Good

Great detailing and working movements.

The Not so Good

Front hitch coupling could be better.

VerdictV

Mercedes Benz UnimogsThe 400 series Unimog is the ultimate implement carrier, uniquely versatile to be equipped for specialist and customised roles while capable of travelling on road up to 56 mph. Off-road, the vehicle offers exceptional all-wheel drive performance with a powerful Mercedes Euro IV engine and a specialist designed chassis allowing multiple mounting points for a vast array of add-on equipment.The standard version of the 400 series Unimog in 1:50th scale from NZG was reviewed in the winter 2014/2015 issue of PMMW and now, I take a look at two additional highway maintenance versions highlighting the versatility of the 400 series vehicle perfectly, both in summer use with the Mulag combination mower and in winter use with the Schmidt plow and spreader package.

The Mulag MKM 700 combinationmower is the perfect companionfor the 400 series Unimog, powered from the vehicles frontPTO and capable of mowingverges at the sides of highwayswith the boom mounted cutterhead and low mounted verge cutter. NZG has done a great jobin the engineering of the mowerwith a fully functional boom thatfeatures a full range of movementcoupled with a detailed cutterhead with roller and main cutterbar with simulated protective skirting. When not in use, theboom can be rotated to the rearout of the way. The verge cutter is again mounted to a pivotingarm with height and angularadjustment allowing it to simulatean authentic range of movement.The entire unit can be easilydetached from the vehicle and the

rear chassis has a counterweightballast assembly fitted to keep thevehicle balanced. One slight issuewith the mower is that if the boomis rotated towards the rear, theunit comes away from the hitchand falls off. A more secure way of securing the attachment mayhave been better.

Unimog 430 with Mulag MKM700 Combination Mower

Product Reviews Mercedes Benz Unimogs


Schmidt is a company that specialise in snow clearanceequipment with a varied product range covering all snow clearance eventualities,from truck mounted plows andspreaders to snow blowers and sweeper brooms. NZG has modelled the Tarron plow andStratus spreader in 1:50th scaleas the perfect accessories for the Unimog 430 carrier.

The Tarron plow is a detachable unit that connects tothe front plate of the U430. Theframe construction allows for left and right angle adjustmentalthough the height adjustmentof the full sized unit is only

simulated on the model. Theframe has modelled stabiliserwheels with a plastic upper guard and a pair of safety markerboards simulating flags on theupper corners. At the rear, theStratos spreader has a detachabletop cover revealing the internalstructure of the hopper with arear chute and rotary dischargehead all faithfully modelled.Added detailing includes the folding access ladder. True to the original, a mixture of metaland plastic components make up the spreader assembly withthe blue and orange colours contrasting well.

Above: The rear spreader has afolding ladder for access anddetailed chute and rotary dispenser.

Above: The Tarron design plowis detachable from the vehicle.

Below: Interior detailing ofthe hopper can be

seen once thecover is removed.

Model Details


NZG 1:50th


£95

The Good

Highly detailed plow, detachable hopper cover, realistic finish.

The Not so Good

None to mention.

VerdictV

Unimog U430 with Schmidt Winter PackageLeft: The frame allows left or right angular adjustment of the blade.

Above: Schmidt plows andspreaders are a recognisedbrand in snow clearance.

The 1:50th scale version by NZG looks the part, capturing the looks of the Schmidt equipment perfectly.


adhering to Euro VI exhaust gas emissions while the fully synchronised gearbox has eightforward and six reverse gears.

The 1:50th scale model fromNZG has captured the ruggedlooks of the U5023 very well,with a fairly detailed undersidehighlighting the chassis and drivetrain to both axles and steering front axle. The sidemounted fuel tank and silencerare nicely done with a protectiveheat shield fitted to the exhauststack. The plastic tarpaulin covercan be removed, revealing theloading platform with low sides.The cabin has been authentically

The Unimog U 5000 series is the ultimate off-roader with acompact design for practicalitycombined with exceptionalmanoeuvrability and brute power for the most demanding of applications. It is the idealworkhorse in difficult conditions,excelling both on-road and off-road. The flexible ladder typeframe ensures rigidity with greattorsional flexibility for controlleddriving coupled with long spring travel and extreme axlearticulation for the most arduousoff-road conditions. TheOM934LA 4- cylinder in-linediesel engine delivers 231hp

replicated, both inside and outwith a quality paint finish. Themodel is available finished inorange or blue while a white version is also available with aslight casting difference to thecab roof. The model has alsobeen produced in an exclusiveversion for Mercedes Benz anda fire & rescue version of the

model is also available.

Model Details


NZG 1:50th


£75

The Good

Good detailing, rugged construction, removable tarpaulin cover.

The Not so Good

None to mention.

VerdictVUnimog 5023 off-roader Truck

Above: The plastic tarpaulin cover can be removed,revealing a lowsided carryingplatform.

Above: The cabin has a finished interior with mirrors and snorkel added to the frame.

Above: Underside detailing includes the replicated drivetrain and steering axle.

Below: The cabin has a finished interior

with mirrors and snorkel added to the frame.

The new 5000 series Unimog has been replicated well by NZG in 1:50th scale.

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